Trad Gang

John Havard, Jason and I are headed to AK on a Moose hunt and will be leaving on Sept 4.  Today is August 4 and I can barely sleep at night.  Just putting the finishing touchs on our bows today and will be putting the bow bolts in next week as soon as they arrive.  

I know "why did I wait so long to build our bows?"
Well it's like the plumber with the leaky faucet, a bowyer without a bow is pretty common.  We spend all of our time building customer and shop bows.  I've pushed ours on the build list a couple of times.  The good news is they are glued and waiting for tiller.  They will be shooting soon.

James is bringing our arrows over tonight as we get ready to head for McAlester, OK this weekend.  But that's another story.

We have so much to do and so little time.

Can you tell I'm a bit excited.

Mike

You lucky son of a gun. That's the best kind of sleepless anticipation. Hoping for the best for you guys and wish I was going with ya! Think it'll be this hot in Alaska....NOT!

I think John will be a good Moose guide. According to his avatar hejust walks up to them. He's like a Mooooose Whisperer.

We all understand...a Moose hunt in AK...talk about a dream hunt. That is number one when I am dreaming.

Get one for all of us and take those pics..

Getting those bulls to come in close and refuse to leave is easy - all you have to be able to do is talk dirty to them.  If one is in the mood, watch out!  I've been going every year (while living there and since moving south) since the mid-70's and I'm as excited as Mike.  Happens every year.  I hope we can close the deal on a couple or three.   John

That's awesome.  Good luck guys.

 Mike , you will never be the same after this, Alaska is going to be tugging at you to return for the rest of your life.


David

Oh great, I'm going to have AK talking to me along with Africa that keeps calling and telling me to come back.

Mike

Mike... I went to Alaska hunting. It ate me up and spit me out...then never called! I feel so cheap!!!   :D

Good Luck Bud......Man what an adventure.... I expect lots of stories and pics in Javie camp this year..... I can relate on the sleepless night thing ...... Got a little fall anticipation going on here as well...... Post some pics of those bows when ya get em built....

 

QuoteMike... I went to Alaska hunting. It ate me up and spit me out...then never called! I feel so cheap!!!

Man would that make a great tag line...  :D  

Terry

I just got back from Alaska this summer on Vacation. I heard you were going by talking to James Young who told me you guys were headed up there. Good luck!

I hope to head up in the next 3-4 years for a hunt. But we will see. What part of AK will you be hunting?

WOW...Alaska! If I went i think I think i would have to stay!!! and i understand about when you make stuff because all of my leatherwork is mismatch and plain as can be!    

I hope yall have a great time!!!

I'm so jealous.

Will do Terry.  Should have em shooting by the end of next week.

Mike

Hey Mike, what part of the country are you guys going to be hunting, & where are you flying out of(assuming that you are flying out)?
The unit I live in(Kenai) has a bow only season that starts Aug. 10 & ends the 17th.  Yes, that's a Week from yesterday!  Way too early in the year for moose season, but I'm looking forward to it.
The rut around here starts late Sept.  General season(including bows) is Aug. 20 - Sept. 20.
The latest weather forcast says clouds & showers the first couple of days of bow season & then RAIN for the next week.  Evening temps are supposed to be in the upper 30s by late next week.
I can't wait!

Vance,

We are flying out of Tok.  Season starts 9/8 and runs through the 18th.  We fly in the 6th and out the 19th if things go well.

Mike

I am excited for you'ins too. It would be kinda nice to get the bows done before ya leave, beats the heck outa shootin them in up in the woods  :knothead:    :bigsmyl:

You should have a ball up there Mike.
I'd offer to buy you dinner at "Fast Eddie's" up there but Tok is about a 420 mile one way drive for me so I better pass.
Good luck!

Good luck guys  :wavey:    :thumbsup:  Two words of advice.  Mosquito repellent      :D  ....Van

Van,

With temps dropping well below freezing at night I think thermo underwear are the two words.

LOL

Mike

Vance, we're spending a night at Fast Eddy's there in Tok.  Many of my dearest friends live in Kasilof and Kenai, so if we have too much moose meat we will be bringing some of it down to the Kenai to give to friends.  Perhaps we'll see you at Tustumena Lodge one evening?
John

That would be fun John & I would look forward to it.
I'll PM you a phone # in case you make it down this way.
If you're going to spend the night in Tok, Fast Eddis is definetly "The Place" for eats(unless something has changed in the last year or two).
Good pizza, steaks, & the best salad bar in Tok!
As a helicopter mechanic I used to spend a lot of time in that area on fire or geological contracts.
If I could live wherever I wanted to in Ak., Tok would be right up there on the list.

Good luck guys....I wish for you as much fun and success as I had on my trip up there!   We want pics and stories!

Hey if you guys happen to be sitting in fast eddys and see a guy across the highway flinging arrows or riding around with a bow on his 4 whlr (bird hunting the trails in back of eddys) that would be me. I live about a 100 yards from fast eddys and I can see the joint while shooting. Food is still good as ever.

Mosquitoes are out now but the nats are worst. I was up at my camp yesterday and while working my way up I watched a nice bull. Hope he is still around later this month when the early season opens (8/24-8/28).

Anyways I'll track you guys down if I'm around.

I am hoping for pics, video, and write a daily hunt journal (when ya get back post it all), like lewis and clark, cept its wignut and cronies!
Man, hunt of a lifetime!
Good luck guys.

John/AK
Hopefully we can make contact.  I have a bow I'd like for you to try.

Take care,

John

OK Mike but I might get to tell you "I told you so" if you don't heed those two words.  :knothead:    :bigsmyl:  .....Van

Mike... just wanted to make sure and wish you a great trip. I'll be leaving for almost two months of hunting in a week.

Wingnut - At that time of year you can get temps ranging from a high in the 70's to close to zero at night all in the same day. It is really a neat time of the year with the color changes, ducks & geese flying south, and all that is if the snow stays away. We've already had temps in the mid 20's this summer so bring the clothes. This morning its in the low 40's but should hit 70 by the afternoon.

John - Yes I'll get a hold of you. Might even have a pop at the husky. A bow to try huh? Sounds fun. May be we can do a bit of bird/small game hunting during your layover if you guys have time. There is an old fire cut about 100 yards in back of the motel that I travel for spruce hens as well as on the south side of the airstrip. Might even find a moose.

Thought I'd add to the excitement, saw a really nice bull here in the fairbanks management area last nite.  Reckon he was mid to high 40's, 3 brow tines on one not 1/2 mile from my house.  I was just telling my wife how I hadn't seen much for moose this year in my hidy holes and wham there was a dandy  ;) !

If ya guys need help or a ride in the fairbanks end let me know.  I live within 20 minutes of Fairbanks Intl.  Not sure what this fall is goign to hold instore for me, seems like plans are changing pretty rapidly.  Had an offer to take a guy from out of state on one of the creeks I've wanted to float for quite some time.  Him and one of our family friends have never hunted moose and asked me to "come along".  I hope that isnt hinting at....be the packer haha.

I've woke up in the morning with ice covering the tent and that afternoon been eaten alive by mosquitoes, nats and noseeums.    :saywhat:    :D  ....Van

Mike,

I got the Bow Bolts today, made up some micarta with the 1" holes, and will send them out tomorrow.

Good luck in AK. You are in for a real treat.

I shot a Maine Moose awhile back.  980 lb field dressed with a 57 " spread.  The biggest animal I had shot prior was a white tail.  What a shock when I first stood next to the moose.  I hope you've got a strong back, but that't what kids are for, right?

Craig

Well from now til MOOOOOOOOOOSE, we will be concentrating on getting our gear in order.  Today I'm applying the bamboo backs on both of our bows.  Bow bolts should be here in a couple of days so tomorrow I will cut and drill both bows so we can glue em up on Wednesday.

We will be shooting them this weekend.

LOL

James brought our arrows on Thursday when we headed out for McAlester OK.  The pics don't do them justice.  They are way cool.  You got to try the spliced feathers.

Mike

John & Wingnut - Just adding a piece of information that I'm sure you don't want to know about but the last couple of days this place that you are flying out of has been shaking more then usual. Yesterday alone we had 6 quakes in a 25 mile raduis with a couple at the 3 level and last night one at the 4.6 magnitude. Hope it is not a prelude to another 7.9 that we had a couple of years ago. That one rearranged the landscape a bunch.

Oh good, that's all we need.  Grizzley Bears, wolves and mother nature giving us a foot massage.

Oh well, the bows are done and shot in, arrows with BH mounted and most of our stuff kicked in a pile.

5 days too go.

Mike

Good Luck, you guys! Have a great hunt!

Wing,

Looks like I might be seeing you for the first time in 6 years then (I think I met you at MOJAM in about 2000)!  My buddy Benny Pinney and I fly out of Tok on the sixth as well!  I assume with 40-Mile?  We will be in 20D so our season is Sept 1-15.

Steve,

That's great, it will be good to see you again.
Yep we are going with 40 mile also.  I guess we will be waiting together for our flights.

Mike

Mike, Jason...you boys have a great time up there! Good luck!!!

Calvin and Hailey

 :wavey:    :wavey:

stick some good'ns Mike, Jason.  

BTW your pic looks good up on the banner.  Get another one done with your moose.

Heck! I would go along just to do the camp cooking and washing up.

=grin=

I am serious too!


Hardcore Harry

You guys have a great time up here!
Good luck.

Good luck Mike and Jason!!  Stick a big one!!

Mike & Jason...hope you guys have a great hunt.  It will be an adventure I'm sure.  

I'm assuming you're taking the "small" kitchen.  Will there be any arguments over who is doing the cooking or will it be self serve?    ;)  

Be carefull how far away from camp you shoot one them critters.  Their a little bit larger than an elk!

We're already waiting for pictures and the story.  :D  

Bobby

Bobby,

Yep we are taking the real small kitchen.  Two one burner stoves a pot or two and that's about it.

Mike

When I have looked at the weight limitations for these kinds of hunts in the past...I have always wondered how anyone could take enough food...freeze dried or not!  But then I'm a underfed kind of guy.    :bigsmyl:

Good luck Mike and Jason!  :thumbsup:

QuoteOriginally posted by Sparta-T:
As if I needed the added stimulation of fellow TradGangers going moose hunting as well.  We leave for Newfoundland on September 2nd
TL

I hope your Newfoundland hunt goes well! I would love to hear about it when you get back! I myself will be mose hunting in NEw BRunswick at the end of September...you'll love the 'ROCK' They got some dandy moose over there! and LOTS of 'em.  :D

Well Connie has had about all she can take.  We've made four trips to Cabela's in the last 4 days for list items.  Jason can't sleep without dreaming of MOOOOOSE. And I can't sleep at all.  I'm obsessing about lists and missing stuff.  Well you get the picture.  I'll be packing and weighing stuff today.

Carp!!  only 4 days left to get ready.

BTW do you need a passport to get into Alaska?

Mike

It's a long flight to Alaska big boy. Have no idea how you are going to be able to sit in one of those little airplane seats for that long. Best of luck with that!

Gosh I'm so jealous. Wish I could go with y'all. It's gonna be a thrill no doubt. Bet ya got that queasy feeling in your stomach eh? And this time it's not from the HDFH or the Gumbalaya!
Best of luck, stay safe, have fun, shoot straight (well I know "YOU'LL" shoot straight)and remember, leave nothing but footprints and bones (and a big ol pile o guts)

Mickey,

You got that right.  The only mark I leave on the land is the dent where I fall.  LOL

No worry about the pile either, the grizz, wolf, wolverine and such will clean that up real quick.

I wish you were going too.  We need to do this someday as long as you don't organize my space in the tent for me.  LOL

Mike

and you're gonna video the whole thing for us, right?

Mike and Mickey in the same tent..for a week... I wonder if the Outdoor Channel is ready for the Tradgang version of the odd couple?......   :D   Mike,Jason,and John you all have a great hunt ..... Terry

Well there's three days to go and I'm up at 0500 with my stomach doing backflips.  Sleep is at best fitfull now and the trip is looming large like a thunderstorm on the horizon.  Today we pack all of our stuff. . .again and insure we make weight for our airline.  We know we will be paying one oversize fee so we want to keep it at that.

Putting the final touches on three customer bows too.  Dang them customers. . .LOL

Gotta shoot somemore this afternoon and maybe get some nutter practice in shooting golfballs.

need coffee!

Mike

So how many runs have you made to Cabelas for last minute stuff? ha ha ha

need hot tea!

LOL

five to Cabelas, 2 to sports Authourity, 3 to Walmart and one to Lowes.  I think I got it now.

Mike

Just some stuff to take your mind off the upcoming hunt - Current weather is light rain & temps in the mid to upper 30's. If it clears off temps should drop. And its still shaking some. Oh and I saw a nice bull yesterday about a 1/4 mile from this computer. Have you been practising counting brow tines? & antler width? while trying to sleep? Do you know if your hunting unit 12 or 20E?

Hunting in 20E, heck I don't have anything to count on.  So I figure that if I see 4 then I shoot or if John gives me the high sign.  Hope to see a few live moose on the drive from Ancorage to Tok.

BTW John how are the bugs this time of year?


Mike

One day bugs are bad and other days none at all. Depends on temp & wind and if your in the trees or on the tundra. Didn't need any spray either sat or sun up at my cabin under construction site. but needed it thrusday when I was there. The white socks have been bad. Last week they were the worst that I can remember. Mosquitoes were bad earlier this summer but seemed to have lessened and spray elimanates them usually. The black nates are around and will greet you especially if your low on the ground. I always carry spray and keep my bandito headnet with me mainly for bugs (black nats)into october when I start my calling season. It stays with me until the temps stay below 25. Yeah expect them but not to be too bad.

John,

thanks!!  We'll pick up some spray and headnets in Anchorage.

mike

Also do you have cellphone coverage in Tok?

Mike, are you taking your fly rod?  Or any fishing gear?  Lots of good fishing in moose country.  Something to pass the time while you're waiting for the beans to boil.

Tracy,

We are huntign from a ridge top that will be a few miles up from the river.  They tell me the bulls are moving up for the rut.  I'll let ya know when we get back.

Mike

Good deal.  I should be at the Weatherford Super Wally world about 10 tonight.  Need anything from out my way?  I can swing by James's house if need-be.

Speaking of such, where's he been lately?

wingnut...sounds a little cool up there for a Texas boy. I am 9 days away from leaving for Ontario, also placed a good number of cabela orders. No problems sleeping here, but then I am not going to Alaska, if I were I would not be sleeping either.  :D    :D

Wingnut - Yes we have cell coverage in Tok. Get 5 miles or so out and it gets real spotty if any at all. In 20E it is real hit or miss depends on how many hills are in the way so don't count on it there.

There is a sportsmans warehouse now in anchorage for those last minute "forgets"

Are you guys getting together for dinner at FE's or a grouse hunt on Monday?  Benny and I get off the ferry in Haines around 11am so with a good tail wind maybe we will make Tok by 6.  We sure would like to hook up with you guys before we fly out on the 6th.

John, I sent you a PM with a phone number.

Steve,

We are staying at FE so we will be there for dinner.  We should arrive in Tok sometime early afternoon depending on how long it takes us to get last minute stuff in Anchorage.

Mike

817-594-5578 home
972-841-4345 cell

Wing,

I wrote your numbers down and they are in my wallet.  I will e-mail you my cell #.

Steve - Reponded to e-mail. Yeah getting off the ferry at 11 in the morning & getting to Tok by 6 will need a tail wind. Road in the Yukon isn't in the best of shape this summer from what I've heard. But then it has never been very good. So I'm not sure if it is just tourists complaining or if it is true. But you will as you know be traveling through some awfully beautiful country that is for sure!! I love both the Boarder to Haines jct & haines jct to Haines road. Between the scenery & the wildlife (particularly sheep (klaune lake) & bears) that drive is super!!! So take your time!!

If we don't hook up for dinner or todies in the evening maybe a chat at eddy's in the morning dependeng on when they schedule you out.

Wingnut - Here is a short travel log - You'll have some beutiful country too on the 330 mile trip between anchortown & here. Hope that the mountains are out in the Park as you drive along st elais for a while. Be sure & eyeball the valley as you should see moose in the ponds. Also there can be caribou around.When you are going over mentasta pass be sure and look down the straight stretch of road. Notice that the road has a funny blip in it. Well this is from the 7.9 shaker 3 years ago. That short blip section moved 20 feet. DOT just fixed it but didn't bother straightening it out. The road that you had travelled before the pass along the water completely disappeared dropping and twisting 7-10 down. Also just after you cross the little tok river look up into the hills on your right. There are usually sheep on the rocks there and are easily visible. Lots of grizz & wolf along there.

If you gave me my choice of any stretch of paved road in the state to drive, that 330 miles John just described would be it.
You guys will love it.

I'm guessing Sparta-T's moose adventure is starting right about now too.
Good luck to all the moose hunters out there!Including us locals ;-)

Just back from a sheep camping trip, lots of clouds and SNOW wooohooo.

Thought I'd get ya excited, saw a decent bull moose dead on the side of a hill on my way home with a happy rifle hunter getting to work.  Think he mumbled something, oh my aching back.

Supposed to hit the 20's tonight, hope yur bringing your cold weather gear, gonna be an early winter in these parts if things keep going this direction!

Have a great trip, wish I was going!  :knothead:

Have a great trip and good luck to the both of you.  

BTW - I love my Wind Talker....Both of them.

That's awesome! I am going to Alaska for blacktail next Sept.  Good luck fellas!

Hope you guys have a great,succesful,safe trip!!! Sounds like an awesome adventure your about to embark on.Bring home lots of meat boys!!

Well with two days to go, I'm sleeping less.  Got up at 3am and went back to bed at 4. Got up for good at 5:30.  Too many thoughts running around in this old head for my own good.  Jason and I are shooting at first light this morning and then packaging the last of the customer bows.  Got five shipping this morning.

Got our bags packed and unpacked yesterday.  Looks like we'll be OK for weight.  How the heck do guys do this with only 50#s?  We are taking two cargo flights in addition to the personal stuff.  That's a total of 650#s of stuff.  LOL

Wish I could take the big kitchen.  

Mike

Good luck guys, you are in for one heckuva trip, it is something that every bowhunter should try to do at least once in their life.  Alaska is a place that you never forget.

Be safe and have fun.


David

Hello everyone,

Just got our computer back up.  Needed to recover? the hard drive - a real mess.  With trying to track down my parents in Ocean Springs, Mississippi and my sister and her family in Biloxi, Mississippi I haven't had much time for preparation.  Just finally got to start packing yesterday and hope to finish today.  

My cell number for those wanting to rendezvous at Fast Eddy's is 847-650-4729.

Jason needs to eat one last bowl of wheaties because I hope he's going to be packing about 2100 pounds of boned-out meat.

John

John hope everything is ok with your suthern relatives. Real mess down there. You don't need that additional worry while your tracking down 2500 pound tundra mice.

Have a good trip and since you are the expereinced one at this take care of Wingnutty and yellargnome. I'm sure a griz would skip Jason cause he ain't big enough to eat, but ol wingnut might make a tempting meal.

Again, stay safe, have fun, hunt hard, shoot straight and track with due diligence.

Hi Mickey,
You're so right - no one needs the problems that the Gulf Coast is now experiencing.  My daughter was supposed to be starting her junior year at Tulane, as well.  Now she will be attending the Univ of Texas.  At least UT was very understanding and helpfu.  Thankfully I've just heard that my folks are okay - just waiting on power to be restored, so everyone is accounted for and is safe.  Whew!

Both Mike and Jason will be fine.  I've built a new set of collapsible fake moose antlers that I'll con one of them to hold on top of their head so we can bring the really belligerent big fellow in close.  Whoever is doing the shooting had better be on the ball, and whoever is holding the moose antlers had better have a big tree handy in case the shooter misses.  Come to think of it, I think Mike would be the most convincing moose impersonator.  Hmmmm.
John

Well...I don't know ya Mr. Wingnut, other than your post here, but I sure do hope you stick a big one. Take lots of picture of him and come back here and share the experiance with us. I would wish you luck, but when you're good you don't need it. I'll just say do what you know how!

John, glad your folks are OK down south. Your right you know Wingnutty would make a nice Moose decoy  :bigsmyl:  You guys have a safe, terrific time.

weather update....they are  possible calling for snow here in fairbanks in the next few days.  Had a pretty good frost last nite.

The brooks range north of town (north of tok) down appx 200 miles was all snow also.  No real amount, just enough to make things white.

GL on the hunt!!! 2100lbs, and people wonder why I dont want to guide moose hunters anymore HA.   :knothead:

Lets see if this works!  Here is this mornings forecast for here. There is a bit of snow on the mountains this morning.

AKZ224-030330-
UPPER TANANA VALLEY AND THE FORTYMILE COUNTRY-
INCLUDING...TOK...TANACROSS...EAGLE...TETLIN...NORTHWAY...ALCAN...
CHICKEN...BOUNDARY
420 AM ADT FRI SEP 2 2005
.TODAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY IN THE MORNING THEN CLEARING. HIGHS
55 TO 60. NORTHWEST WINDS TO 15 MPH BECOMING SOUTHEAST IN
THE AFTERNOON.
.TONIGHT...MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS 25 TO 35. SOUTHEAST WINDS
TO 15 MPH.
.SATURDAY...INCREASING CLOUDS. HIGHS 55 TO 60. SOUTHWEST WINDS
15 TO 20 MPH.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF RAIN. LOWS AROUND 35.
SOUTHWEST WINDS AROUND 15 MPH.
.SUNDAY...CLOUDY. HIGHS 55 TO 60. SOUTHWEST WINDS AROUND 15 MPH.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF RAIN. LOWS NEAR 35.
.LABOR DAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF RAIN. HIGHS NEAR 60.
.MONDAY NIGHT...MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF RAIN. LOWS NEAR
40.
.TUESDAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF RAIN. HIGHS NEAR 60.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS NEAR 40.
.WEDNESDAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS NEAR 60.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF RAIN. LOWS NEAR
35.
.THURSDAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF RAIN. HIGHS NEAR 55.

Doesn't look too bad at all!

650 pounds!??!?!?  AGood Lord!!!  Thats enough stuff for a two month hunt in the winter!  Here I scold AKDAN for having too much unecessary crap with a 65# pack for a 13 day sheep hunt!

John H.  I wrote your numbers down too.  We'll see you in two!

Steve, my pack weighs 52lbs for 10 days, actually I should be under 50lbs thats one man with everything.  I havent weighed it for a 14 day trip but I bet I am well under 60 at this point.  I managed to find one of the leupold back packer tripods.  So if you figure 52lbs with everything, adding 1.5lbs a day for food (which I know I am closer to 1lb) that puts me at 58lbs.  Not bad considering I'm stuck hunting solo most of the time.  

You also have to remember I had to CARRY my leathers and wore those dang blasted hippers for the hike.

Last trip to the sheep grounds was socked in so I pulled out early to regroup for this moose hunt.  Then back out for sheep till the closure, gl on your moose.  

Btw, where in sam heck is Matt Richards.  We leave sunday nite/monday morning and he still has the soar and still no return phone calls and he missed my contacts in anchorage as far as I've found out.  My patience is waining but I am seeing another 720 mile one day drive in my near future!

Good Luck Wingnut!  Yer sure takin enough crap with ya to have a good time!  remeber, you gotta get it AND the moose back home.

650 lbs!?!  Nope...I'm not gonna touch it.  I'd have to pay for it in January.

Bite my toungue, Bite my toungue, Bite my toungue...OUCH   :knothead:

Wingnut,

If I had know that you were such a "pack rat"  I'd have sent you aluminum bow bolts.  Would have saved you about 3 ounces. LOL

Seriously, just wanted to wish you and Jason the best of luck so you get a chance to use your skill.

Remember, bigger ones have bigger kill zones.

Take care,

Craig

Mike and Jason - Have a great trip and a succesful hunt. We're expecting some great stories at MoJAM next year from y'all.

Say 'Hey' to Steve H.

Well here we are at T minus 30 hours til lift off and I'm like a kid on Christmas eve.  Bout wore out the suit cases and stuff pacing and unpacking.  I think we are going to pack em and go down to the vets office today and weigh everything on there good scale.

Had to make one more trip to Cabelas yesterday, couldn't find my camo vest so I have a new wool camo vest that is twice as nice as my old one.  LOL

Going to a BBQ today so I might relax a little.

Gotta go check my lists now.

Mike

DAng, Mike...

If this hasn't been almost like goin along myself! You gota way of spreading that infectious anticipation of your'n.  Thanks! I needed to enjoy your joy and excitement about something.

You hunt smart, be safe and have fun!

Mike,  You do know that lots of "travel bags" need to be broke down into smaller sizes to physically fit in a Supercub, right.......?

Steve holds his breath as Mike runs off to measure the kitchen sink...........

QuoteSteve holds his breath as Mike runs off to measure the kitchen sink...........  

LOLOL!

Kyle
hoping Mike's not goin....NOW you tell me!

LOL!!

Went out and floated a slough here in the management area for moose last nite.  Ended up right at 15 yards from a cow and her calf in the fog....even had the camera, IN THE TRUCK haha.  Saw 4, chomping at underwater succulents.  Some duck hunters had beat me to the area so the other three were on edge and by the amount of shotgun shells and feathers I can see why.

" "travel bags" need to be broke down into smaller sizes to physically fit in a Supercub, right.......? "

Hey they call it a Super Cub right?

Everything is modular in stuff sacks and small containers.  So far we have about 120# between Jason and me.  John on the other hand has the tent and camping gear.

How big is a Supercub anyway?

mike

Good luck, Mike, Jason, John  :wavey:    :wavey:    :wavey:  ....Van

Mike,

Basically it's a tandom 2 seater plane that they usually only allow 50 to 60lbs per person and there is hardly much more room then that unless of course they have a belly pod.  They'll strap rifle cases or antlers to wing struts, the rest will go behind your seat.  The door opens from the side like a cardboard box layed over on it's side, two sort of rectangular looking deals.  I've never flown in one, was supposed to this year but the pilot canceled on me less then 30 days before my planned depart date for sheep.  

Takes quite a few flights in a cub to get a moose out compared to say a 206 or 185 (both are 4 seaters).


Think of it like riding a trike with wings and visqueen on each side of you and pop cans everywhere else  ;)

Dan,

Yep I've seen em.  We are planning at least one additional flight with our tack probably two.  I know you guys can hunt for two weeks on 50#s.  I like to change my socks and have real food now and then.

It will be quite a pic of me and my stuff in the back seat of a Cub.  Kinda like looking at smoked oysters after ya open the can.

Mike

BTW John is now in the air and the trip has officially started.

Wingnut, give me a holler when you get back, or before you leave.

Stick'em hard!!!


Hutch  :thumbsup:

I was gonna call you today. But I figured if you finally relaxed today (yea right), and I called and stirred you up again, it might be more than Connie could take.

Have a safe, FUUUUN trip!!

Bobby

Hope you have a great hunt.  Alaska is a magical place.  I'll be heading back up next year for the first time in 14 years, and can't wait.  

Look forward to hearing  about your hunt.

Be safe, and Good Luck!!!!!

Best of luck to all 3 of ya. Hope you all kill a monster. Take lots of pics for us to look at!!

Mike,

Extra socks, lmao.  And here Steve thought my pack was to heavy  ;) .  Little does he know the changes I've made in the past two years.  Was kinda bummed I didnt get to do my sheep hunt but I was looking at 14 days with 53lbs is what I had figured, and thats WITH extra socks  :D .  

One recommendation for you guys.  I dont know if you are floating or doing a drop hunt...but have a backup emergency bag at the strip.  It doesnt have to consist of much, a tarp or couple of space blankets, food, some rope, fire startes, change of cloths and a book if you have room.  It truely can be a lifesaver!  My first hunt with steve I lost this bag to bears...the stinkers ate all my extra blue berry cheese cake..UGG!  And then had the audacity to come in and try and get one of my sheep quarters....  Wait till ya have to run a bear off bear foot in yur undies, just glade it's wilderness, couldnt imagine what they'd think down in Austin.  

Latest headlines...man charged with streaking a supposide mountian lion in his back yard.  Sentenced to 25 years for indecent exposure and wildlife harrasment  ;)

Dan,

When i talk about a change of socks I don't mean with your hunting partner.  LOL  I think we have the emegency pack ready to go.  When you say at the strip do you mean in Tok or at the distrubution point or on the ridge?  Heck I figured if we hauled it all the way to Alaska, Jason can carry it the last 1/2 mile to camp.

LOL

One more thing whats the bear doing in my undies?  I'm not bringing enough for him and me.  There will be a fight if he trys to take em too.

Mike

Dangit mike now you got me all nervous too!  Don't worry bout sleep.  There'll be plenty of time on the big airplane ride.

Well we are packing the truck and heading to the airport in a couple of minutes.  Gotta go through all the inspect and forms for the handguns and bows and such.  We'll talk with ya later.

AkDan may give ya an update when we hit Tok.  I'm sure he'll hear the thud.

LOL

Mike

Good luck  woodbow boys!!! as Lance would say " DROP ONE LIKE A TOILET SEAT"!!!   ;)    ;)    :bigsmyl:  
wish you guys the best, take a lot of pics, and write in a journal...we want the whole scoop as soon as ya get back1 BD

I am starting to think that wingnutty is looking forward to this hunt. LOL.

Dang, Calvin your quick.  :bigsmyl:  I bet they have a great time.

Well two more days to go before I hopefully run in to Mike, Jason, John & Steve. Was looking for birds near 40 mile air today and shot a picture of the hanger & planes from sledding hill. If I could post it I would as the fall colors are out and it was a pretty sight.

The bad three should be hitting anchortown soon and their drive out weather permitting should be beautiful. Hopefully steve & his pal got their ferry and it don't hit no rocks!

I'll report my "impressions" of these guys. Seeins as I'm near a computer I get the pre-emptive strike!

man John, that's just bad mojo, "and it dont hit no rocks'  :D

Leaving for our moose trip tomorrow for 5 days.  Taking a east coaster out basically going alone as packer.  I'll have my bow in case mr blackie shows up, or for that matter mr grizz, and of course will have a ton of grousin arras.

Btw, here's something you might try for birds.  We call them wrecking balls.  a 38 case glued to a shaft (un tapered).  Nock the extraction rim down with a file till it's close to the same diameter as the casing, then slide a large htm rubber blunt over it.  Man I dont know why, but it works 110% better then a regular rubber blunt.  Works great for stumping in the tussocks also.  Judo's are nice but dang spendy and I manage to loose to many of them, for some reason they pop off.  I'll report back when we return, then it's back off for sheep for me till the 20th..  Btw, how'd you do on your hike in?

Dan - Yeah I use shells. Using the shell with the blunt will make it more effective as its heavier. Got a bunch of different combos which do well when it do my part which don't seem often enough! I too gave up on judos as they don't seem to be as effective and as you said tend to either pop off or bust the tip.
Haven't done to sheep thing yet this year as I've been way too busy packing building materials to play much!

They made it! Steve & partner arrived first & while we were shooting the bull in fast eddys in walks the infamous theresome. Dragging their U haul with 650# of gear. They were a bit road wary after the drive & flights. John, Mike & Jason's flight out was scheduled for around 7:30 this morning. Steve's flight time was not yet known. Weather this am is good for flying.

It's been a half day...anything dead yet?  ;)

Talked to John this afternoon, Jason got food poisoning or something, had to go to the Tok clinic where they pumped 3 bottle of saline into him. So....They are now scheduled to fly out tomorrow......O.L.

Man that sucks. Hope Jason is ok.

Oooooh yuk. I've been down that road before. Never wanna go down that road again. I'm sure he'll ferget all about it when they're huntin'

Any word from the boys yet???..... Terry

Geez I got that in Atlanta last year..poor Jason. There isn't a much worse feeling.I think even being dead would have felt better.

Been there too.    
But I didn't have all of Alaska to walk out into the next morning! That'll almost make up for it! It was the airline food, right? What was the date on those peanuts?

Killdeer

That young former Marine can handle a little poisoning  :bigsmyl:  It's just going to make this adventure even better.

How about now? Any picture of a stuck moose yet? I sure hope they stick one or two!

Those boys are in the wilderness.  They don't have time for no stinking computers.

Dang Marvin, you mean you'd rather be huntin in alaska than typin on THIS stinkin computer,
 metoo, sir,  metoo

Absolutely!!!  

As the old saying goes, a bad day hunting is better than a good day at work!!

Id rather be hunting anywhere than typing in front of this computer...haha...speaking of that squirrel season is open in kansas if i can get around the blackpowder deerhunters i might have to go try and get one